Over-The-Counter Drugs
Johanna Knowles
Over-The-Counter Drugs
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by Johanna Knowles
The text is written at a 4th grade reading level, the subject matter is intended for middle graders (ages 9–12), and the content is mild with minimal sensitive material.
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About This Book
What if the medicines you find at home weren't always safe? Imagine discovering that some common drugs could be harmful if used the wrong way. Could you spot the dangers before it’s too late?
Themes
Quick Assessment
This middle-grade fiction book explores the rising issue of over-the-counter drug abuse among youth, highlighting the risks and potential consequences. Suitable for ages 9-12, it aims to educate readers about safe medication use and the importance of understanding drug effects without graphic content. Parents should note its focus on drug safety and awareness.
Why we rated Over-The-Counter Drugs 9LP
Over-The-Counter Drugs is written at a Level 4-5 reading level across 107 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 5.5 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, Over-The-Counter Drugs works for readers up to grade 6.5.
We rate Over-The-Counter Drugs as 9LP ("Light — Physical") because the content sits in the "Mild" range — mild conflict — the kind a child encounters in normal play and sibling life. Across our four dimensions (emotional, physical, social, thematic) the book reads as evenly mild; no single dimension stands out as a concern.
Specific content flags noted by reviewers: Mild Peril.
Thematically, Over-The-Counter Drugs explores drug abuse, health & safety, education, and juvenile literature — these threads give the book room to mean different things to different readers.
Good fit for
- ✓ Children in the Ages 9-12 range — the maturity and attention span match the story's pacing.
- ✓ Patient readers who enjoy slower, character-driven stories.
- ✓ Kids drawn to stories about drug abuse, health & safety, education.
Maybe not for
- ! Reluctant readers who need a fast hook — the pacing here rewards patience.
For Parents
Content Intensity
9LP — Light — PhysicalLight conflict or tension. Mild peril resolved quickly.
Content Flags
Was our "Mild" content intensity rating accurate for this book?
Reading Insights
Hook Factor
1/10A steady, thoughtful read that rewards patient readers.
Discussion Potential
1/10A lighter read — great for independent enjoyment.
Book DNA
Multi-dimensional content fingerprint
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Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 9780685522509
- Pages
- 107
- Publisher
- Infobase Publishing
- Published
- December 1991
- Type
- Fiction